Find a Top Family Doctor Near Me in Winter Haven, FL – Book an Appointment Instantly

About Us

The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research (FSCDR) is a renowned organization solely focused on medical care and clinical research opportunities for those living with Sickle Cell Disease. FSCDR has locations across the State of Florida. Its Flagship is in Hollywood, Florida.

As the only organization in the United States with standalone sickle cell Centers of Excellence, The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research welcomes patients from all over the world. The team of physicians, specialists, care coordinators, case managers, and social work professionals combine to provide all-inclusive care for children and adults with sickle cell disease.

Their stated mission is to tirelessly research, inform, hear, respect, treat, and support all individuals with sickle cell disease, and to make the disease a livable, non-threatening condition. In addition, they do innovative diagnostic testing, such as transcranial Doppler ultrasounds, X-rays, and medical treatments, including infusion services.

The team at The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research works with other medical and education professionals to ensure that their patients of all ages receive the care and support they need to thrive, ranging from vaccinations to medication management and social work services.

Along with school individualized educational plan (IEP) support, disability application assistance, and case management, they help patients work through the social determinants of health to ensure patients receive the proper support they need.

To schedule an appointment with The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, call or book online today.

Gershwin Blyden, MD, PhD, FCP, FACP, is a board-certified hematologist-oncologist and medical director of The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, with locations in Homestead, Orlando, Lakeland, Jacksonville, Belle Glade, Tallahassee, and Hollywood, Florida. With more than 40 years of diverse experience, Dr. Blyden is an esteemed physician in his field.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in plant science from the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1967, Dr. Blyden earned a PhD in pharmacology from prestigious Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1976. Just three years later, he also earned his medical doctorate cum laude from Yale University.

In 1985, Dr. Blyden completed an internal medicine internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. That same year, he also finished his hematology/oncology and clinical pharmacology fellowship at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. 

After graduating and completing his training, Dr. Blyden worked as an adjunct professor for the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami Shores, Florida, an associate clinical professor of hematology and oncology at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida, and as an associate professor of clinical pharmacy and director of the Clinical Pharmacology Research Unit at Florida A&M University’s Miami location.

Today, Dr. Blyden is a leader in the field of sickle cell treatment, case management, and research. He provides comprehensive care for chronic diseases, with a special emphasis on sickle cell anemia. 

Dr. Blyden offers a variety of infusion services, school individualized education program (IEP) support, transcranial Doppler ultrasounds, and more.

Dr. Kennessa Hugger is a physician serving patients across FSCDR’s North Florida locations, including Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Panama City. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals living with sickle cell disease, with a focus on improving health outcomes through education, prevention, and comprehensive treatment support. Dr. Hugger is committed to ensuring patients throughout North Florida have access to quality care and resources close to home.

Dr. Ronoel Penalver is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician serving patients at FSCDR’s Hollywood, Florida location. He provides comprehensive care focused on prevention, chronic disease management, and improving long-term health outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Penalver contributes to clinical research efforts that support the advancement of treatment options and patient care. He is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care while helping expand access to innovative therapies and medical resources for the communities FSCDR serves.

Janelle Bauer, APRN, is a family nurse practitioner at The Wellness Clinic at New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine in Wesley Chapel, Florida.

After graduating high school, she started her health care journey as a nursing assistant. Janelle pursued her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of South Florida in Hillsborough County, Florida. She holds certification through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. 

At New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine’s Wellness Clinic, Janelle offers compassionate care, working closely with all patients to enhance their wellness and provide them with the best experience. She takes a preventive approach to health care, encouraging her patients to implement healthy lifestyle choices in their daily lives. 

Joining the practice in 2021, Janelle has become an integral part of the practice family and offers a wealth of experience. She looks forward to working with you and delivering the care you need to look and stay healthy. 

With healthcare becoming more expensive, many residents of Lehigh Acres and throughout Southwest Florida are concerned about obtaining high quality medical services within a realistic budget. 

Galenus Group is a group medical practice founded to deliver outstanding care within an affordable cost structure, where the team of practitioners shares a passion for personalized care. They also take great pride in offering cutting-edge health services using state-of-the-art medical technology, from primary care to outpatient services.

Preventive care is a central focus, including comprehensive annual physical exams, laboratory services, and onsite blood draws. When health issues arise, acute care options through the medical clinic focus on diagnosing symptoms swiftly and putting patients on an immediate treatment track. 

Patients with one or more chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, rely on chronic care management to improve their quality of life. With proper care and diligence, patients can even reduce their risk of negative outcomes related to chronic disease.  

The physicians, medical support staff, and administrative professionals at Galenus Group share a dedication to keeping members of their community as healthy and happy as possible. The practice motto, “Great physicians & quality care you can trust,” is exemplified through each and every patient interaction.

Galenus Group offers value-based payment structures designed to make high quality care accessible and affordable. 

The practice is a proud partner of Aetna Medicare and offers Medicare annual wellness exams and low or no deductibles or copayments in certain circumstances. Patients have access to telemedicine services in addition to a 24/7 nurse advice hotline.

Residents of Lehigh Acres and the rest of Southwest Florida can learn more about the benefits available through Galenus Group by booking an initial visit online or by phone.

Richard Lam, FNP, is a dedicated family nurse practitioner serving the Longwood, Florida, community at One World Pediatrics. With a strong foundation in nursing and a commitment to promoting health and wellness, Richard brings a wealth of experience and compassion to his practice.

Having earned his master's degree from ECPI University in Virginia Beach, Richard's journey in healthcare began as a registered nurse in the major hospitals of Central Florida. Over ten years, he garnered invaluable experience in acute care settings, specializing in the treatment of burns, trauma, and emergency care for patients of all ages, including pediatrics.

Richard's passion for preventive medicine and promoting healthy lifestyles led him to pursue further education as a family nurse practitioner. Equipped with his advanced training and expertise, he is dedicated to empowering patients and families to take proactive steps toward optimal health.

With a particular interest in child development, Richard is deeply committed to providing comprehensive care to pediatric patients, ensuring that each child receives the attention and support they need to thrive.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Richard cherishes the time spent creating lasting memories with his family and friends. His warm and caring nature, coupled with his dedication to preventive healthcare, makes him a valued member of the Longwood Pediatrics team.

Cheryl Reed, MD, is a board-certified family practice physician with more than 30 years of experience at Pinnacle Health Group in Tampa, Florida. As a family practice physician, she has the opportunity to get to know her patients well and treat them with personalized care through all stages of life.

Dr. Reed completed her undergraduate studies at John Hopkins University in Baltimore. She then went on to study medicine at New York University School of Medicine in New York City. She completed her residency at the Medical Center of Beaver County in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Reed became a family physician because she liked the idea of treating the whole family throughout their lives. She was recently awarded Vitals.com’s Patient Choice Award, an honor bestowed on physicians who receive near-perfect patient reviews. She’s also been voted onto the “Best Doctors in Tampa Bay” list several times.

When she’s not at work, Dr. Reed enjoys volunteering in her community, watching movies, and relaxing with her husband of 22 years and their son.

Yvonne Latimer, MD is a board-certified family practice physician at Pinnacle Health Group in Tampa, Florida. She has over 15 years of experience in treating adult medicine, women's health, geriatrics, and mental health. 

Dr. Latimer completed her undergraduate studies at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. She earned her medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia. She then moved to Baltimore, Maryland, to complete her family practice residency at Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center, where she was chief family practice resident during her final year. 

Dr. Latimer decided to become a family physician because she loved her experience treating the entire family as a medical student. She is known for her warmth, compassion, care delivery, and great sense of humor. 

She currently belongs to the Florida Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Family Physicians. 

Dr. Latimer enjoys spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and animals. They love beaches and traveling outside of the United States, especially to Central and South America. 

Pina Panchal, MD is a native Canadian with a strong passion for working with women. Trained in a variety of aesthetic services and skilled in the medical management of weight loss and hormone deficiencies, she offers her services to both men and women of Tampa, Florida, at Bella Mia Medical Aesthetics and Laser Institute. Dr. Panchal believes a woman is at her best when she feels her best. She takes pride in helping her patients feel happy, healthy, and confident.

Dr. Panchal is board-certified in family medicine. She completed her bachelor’s degree in health sciences at the University of Western Ontario in Canada. She went on to study medicine at the University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine in the Netherlands. Dr. Panchal completed her residency in family medicine at the Medical College of Georgia, then served as Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Georgia. She enjoyed working with medical students and residents in this teaching capacity.

At Bella Mia, Dr. Panchal provides a wide variety of aesthetics services and has certifications in a variety of procedures and treatments such as neuromodulators, fillers, Kybella®, laser skin treatments, medically-managed weight loss, and management of hormone deficiencies.

Dr. Panchal speaks fluent Guajarati, Hindi, and English. She belongs to a number of professional associations, including the American Academy of Family Medicine, the North American Menopause Society, the American Medical Association, and the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine.